Rules for Encountering Other Vessels

There are rules that every operator must follow when encountering other vessels.

Two terms help explain these rules:

Give-way vessel: The vessel that is required to take
early and substantial action to keep well away from other vessels by stopping,
slowing down, or changing course. Avoid crossing in front of other vessels.
Any change of course and/or speed should be large enough to be readily apparent
to another vessel. (A series of small changes should be avoided.)

Stand-on vessel: The vessel that must maintain its course
and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking
appropriate action. If you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way
vessel or cross in front of it.

The action a vessel operator should take when encountering another vessel depends on the answers to two questions.